Key points

1. Why South Australia is becoming a hub for Trades and Migration​

2. Connecting Tradespeople with Jobs that Matter

3. Migration Pathways for International Students

​

​As South Australia continues its ambitious infrastructure expansion, the need for qualified tradespeople has never been greater. With rising investments in housing, transport, defence, and public services, the state is actively recruiting skilled professionals to build its future — and in doing so, offering new migration and career opportunities for both local and international talent.

​​

(1) Why South Australia is Becoming a Hub for Trades and Migration

Backed by strategic policy and economic confidence, South Australia has secured a significant migration allocation of 3,800 skilled nomination places for 2024–2025. This includes:

• 3,000 places for Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa

• 800 places for Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa

This is a notable increase from the previous year’s allocation and signals South Australia’s active commitment to skilled migration. According to Premier Peter Malinauskas, “We’re investing in education, infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce to build a better South Australia, for today and the future.”

Given the Premier’s strong push for skilled migration and the state’s ongoing infrastructure agenda, we are predicting even higher quotas for the 2025–26 financial year, especially across in-demand trade sectors.

 

(2) Connecting Tradespeople with Jobs that Matter

In response to industry needs, the South Australian Government launched a state-wide program designed to match employers in the construction sector with qualified workers and final-year apprentices. It serves as a one-stop recruitment and registration portal for tradespeople looking to work in South Australia. Whether you're based locally or overseas, this initiative simplifies the connection process between job seekers and verified construction employers.

The program is ideal for:

• Qualified international tradespeople looking to migrate

• Final-year apprentices nearing course completion

• Employers needing immediate access to skilled talent

• Students looking for a vocational pathway into permanent residency

In-demand occupations include:

• Carpenters and Joiners

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons

• Plumbers and Electricians

• Tilers, Concreters, and Painters

• Welders, Sheet Metal Workers, and more

Many of these occupations appear on Australia’s skilled migration lists, offering pathways to permanent residency through state nomination.

​

If you're an international student or trades professional considering your migration options, Newsted Global can help guide your study and visa planning journey based on South Australia’s skilled occupation needs. 

Connect with employers:

• Register as a skilled worker

• Eligible Trade and Professional Occupations

​

(3) Migration Pathways for International Students

South Australia is also becoming increasingly attractive for international students. Trade courses such as Certificate III and IV in Building, Carpentry, or Plumbing not only lead to nationally recognised qualifications but are also aligned with the state’s skills needs.

Upon completion, graduates may become eligible for a skills assessment and state nomination under visa subclasses 190 or 491, with extra points for regional study and employer sponsorship options in high-demand areas.

With enhanced state support, streamlined nomination processes, and direct employer engagement, now is an ideal time for students and skilled workers to consider South Australia as a migration destination.

​

Stay updated

For the latest news, scholarship opportunities, and migration support for studying and working in Australia, visit: https://www.newstedglobal.com/australian-migration-news